By Lee Duracz

Ten teams showed up for the third stop in the Polar Bear Open on Lake Maxinkuckee despite it being the deer gun season opener.

The day began with mild temperatures in the 40s and a mist in the air, but that turned into rainy down pours, storms and wind gusts to 30 mph.

The fish didn’t seem to care as the top finishing teams reported catching limits early. Some teams reported catching 15 to as many as 30 bass throughout the day.

The pattern among the top three teams was a combination of blade baits and jerkbaits.

Chris Brunt and Baily, Winners

The first place team of Chris Brunt and Baily took home $250 for their 12.74-pound limit and an additional $50 for their 3.24-pound smallmouth that won the big bass prize. They fished 18 to 26 feet of water.

Jeremy Bunnell and Lee Duracz, 2nd Place

Schenk and Lambert, 3rd Place

Jeremy Bunnell and Lee Duracz were second ($150) with all smallmouth weighing 11.86-pounds, also caught on blades in 18-26 feet.

The third-place Clear H2o gift card went to Schenk and Lambert with their limit weighing 11.32-pounds. They caught their fish along the breaks in 8 to 11 feet of water.

The critter pot went to Miller and Helmuth with a 2.62-pound walleye.